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Urban unemployment and labor force participation in Korea

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Abstract

This paper examines urban unemployment patterns in Korea using a simultaneous model of unemployment and labor force participation. Urban demographic characteristics and economic conditions are put forward to explain inter-urban variations in the rates of unemployment and labor force participation. The estimation results indicate the importance of local demographic characteristics and economic conditions in determining labor force participation rates and unemployment rates. The results clearly indicate that “sexual dualism” is pervasive in the urban labor market in Korea. Market discrimination against women is quite evident. The effect of city size seems to be insignificant except that large cities tend to provide a more favorable environment for women to participate in the labor force.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. East-West Population Institute, East-West Center, 96848, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    Won Bae Kim (Research Fellow)

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  1. Won Bae Kim
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Kim, W.B. Urban unemployment and labor force participation in Korea. Ann Reg Sci 21, 44–55 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01540231

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01540231

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